Clutch system and differential with same

Abstract

The differential ( 13 ) includes a clutch system. The clutch system includes a clutch ( 41 a , 43 a ) for being displaced to establish engagement thereof. The clutch system includes an actuator ( 61 ) for operating the clutch. The actuator includes a solenoid ( 63 ). The actuator a plunger ( 65, 67, 73 ) driven by the solenoid for giving a displacement to the clutch. The differential includes a rotatable driving member ( 31 ). The differential includes a differential mechanism ( 45, 49, 51 and 53 ) driven by the driving member. The clutch interlocks the driving member and the differential mechanism with each other.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A differential comprising: 
       a rotatable driving member;  
       a differential mechanism driven by the driving member;  
       a clutch for being displaced to establish engagement thereof, wherein the clutch interlocks the driving member and the differential mechanism with each other, said clutch comprising a first clutch component rotatable with the driving member and a second clutch component rotatable with the differential mechanism for engaging the first clutch component; and  
       an actuator for operating the clutch, said actuator comprising a solenoid and plunger driven by the solenoid for giving a displacement to the clutch, said plunger comprising a driver and a follower movable by the driver for displacing the first clutch component,  
       wherein the differential mechanism comprises a pinion shaft fixed to the second clutch component and a side gear integral with the second clutch component,  
       wherein the driving member comprises a supporting part for supporting an axle, and wherein the follower is centered on the supporting part.  
     
     
       2. The differential according to  claim 1 , 
       wherein the solenoid comprises a coil housing movably supporting the plunger.  
     
     
       3. The differential according to  claim 2 , 
       wherein the coil housing and the plunger are sealed to each other.  
     
     
       4. The differential according to  claim 1 , 
       wherein the follower includes a non-magnetic material.  
     
     
       5. A differential comprising: 
       a rotatable driving member;  
       a differential mechanism driven by the driving member;  
       a carrier housing rotatably supporting the driving member;  
       a clutch for being displaced to establish engagement thereof; and  
       an actuator for operating the clutch, said actuator comprising a solenoid and plunger driven by the solenoid for giving a displacement to the clutch;  
       wherein the clutch interlocks the driving member and the differential mechanism with each other, and  
       wherein the actuator comprises a stopper for stopping the solenoid from rotating relative to the carrier housing.  
     
     
       6. The differential according to  claim 5 , 
       wherein the driving member comprises a supporting part for supporting an axle,  
       the carrier housing rotatably supports the supporting part, and  
       the actuator is supported on the supporting part within the radially outermost of the driving member.  
     
     
       7. A differential comprising: 
       a rotatable driving member;  
       a differential mechanism driven by the driving member;  
       a clutch for being displaced to establish engagement thereof, wherein the clutch interlocks the driving member and the differential mechanism with each other, said clutch comprising a first clutch component rotatable with the driving member and a second clutch component rotatable with the differential mechanism for engaging the first clutch component; and  
       an actuator for operating the clutch, said actuator comprising a solenoid and plunger driven by the solenoid for giving a displacement to the clutch;  
       wherein the driving member comprises a wall defining a hole therethrough,  
       wherein the first clutch component comprises a protrusion inserted into the hole, and  
       wherein the differential further comprises a cam mechanism for establishing an axial displacement between the first clutch component and the driving member, said cam mechanism comprising a first cam side on the wall a second cam side on the protrusion, said first and second cam sides inclined to an axis for cooperatively sliding on each other.  
     
     
       8. A differential comprising: 
       a rotatable driving member;  
       a differential mechanism driven by the driving member;  
       a clutch for being displaced to establish engagement thereof, wherein the clutch interlocks the driving member and the differential mechanism with each other, said clutch comprising a first clutch component rotatable with the driving member and a second clutch component rotatable with the differential mechanism for engaging the first clutch component; and  
       an actuator for operating the clutch, said actuator comprising a solenoid and plunger driven by the solenoid for giving a displacement to the clutch, said plunger comprising a driver and a follower movable by the driver for displacing the first clutch component,  
       wherein the differential mechanism comprises a pinion shaft fixed to the second clutch component and a side gear integral with the second clutch component,  
       wherein the driving member comprises a supporting part for supporting an axle,  
       the follower is supported by the supporting part, and  
       the driver is supported by the follower.  
     
     
       9. The differential according to  claim 8 , 
       wherein the follower includes a non-magnetic material.  
     
     
       10. A differential comprising: 
       a rotatable driving member;  
       a differential mechanism driven by the driving member;  
       a clutch for being displaced to establish engagement thereof, wherein the clutch interlocks the driving member and the differential mechanism with each other, said clutch comprising a first clutch component rotatable with the driving member and a second clutch component rotatable with the differential mechanism for engaging the first clutch component; and  
       an actuator for operating the clutch, said actuator comprising a solenoid and plunger driven by the solenoid for giving a displacement to the clutch, said plunger comprising a driver and a follower movable by the driver for displacing the first clutch component,  
       wherein the differential mechanism comprises a pinion shaft fixed to the second clutch component and a side gear integral with the second clutch component,  
       wherein the solenoid comprises a coil housing supported by a carrier housing supporting the driving member,  
       the follower is supported by the coil housing, and  
       the driver is supported by the follower.  
     
     
       11. The differential according to  claim 10 , 
       wherein the follower includes a non-magnetic material.  
     
     
       12. A differential comprising: 
       a rotatable driving member;  
       a differential mechanism driven by the driving member;  
       a clutch for being displaced to establish engagement thereof, wherein the clutch interlocks the driving member and the differential mechanism with each other, said clutch comprising a first clutch component rotatable with the driving member and a second clutch component rotatable with the differential mechanism for engaging the first clutch component; and  
       an actuator for operating the clutch, said actuator comprising a solenoid and plunger driven by the solenoid for giving a displacement to the clutch, said plunger comprising a driver and a follower movable by the driver for displacing the first clutch component,  
       wherein the differential mechanism comprises a pinion shaft fixed to the second clutch component and a side gear integral with the second clutch component,  
       wherein the driving member comprises a supporting part for supporting an axle,  
       the solenoid comprises a coil housing supported by the supporting part, and  
       the follower is supported by the coil housing, and  
       the driver is supported by the follower.  
     
     
       13. The differential according to  claim 12 , 
       wherein the follower includes a non-magnetic material.